R. Kelly
Bail Set at $1 Million
In Sexual Abuse Case
2/23/2019 11:15 AM PST
Breaking News
R. Kelly just appeared before the judge, who set his bail at $1 million … meaning the singer can be released — but only if he can afford it.
Prosecutors laid out the details of R. Kelly’s 4 separate indictments Saturday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Cook County, and requested the R&B singer not be granted bail … but the judge disagreed and set bail at $250k for each indictment.
R. Kelly’s lawyer reportedly said the singer’s finances are a mess, so he can’t bond out just yet. However, a source close to Kelly tells us he’ll be able to gather up $100k soon and post bail. If he does, he’ll be released from jail ahead of his trial.
As we reported … R. Kelly surrendered to police in Chicago Friday night, turning himself in at a police station after being charged with sexual abuse of 4 girls, at least 3 of whom were minors.
Prosecutors hit R. Kelly with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse Friday morning, and 9 of the 10 counts involve alleged victims ranging in age from 13 to 16 years old. There are 4 alleged victims in total, and according to the criminal complaint … the graphic allegations include oral and vaginal sex with a girl between the ages of 13 and 17.
Attorney Michael Avenatti — says he’s representing at least 1 of the alleged victims in the R. Kelly indictment — was on hand for Saturday’s court hearing. He arrived with the parents of Azriel Clary, one of R. Kelly’s alleged sex slaves.
Both Azriel and Joycelyn Savage — another one of R. Kelly’s alleged sex slaves — were inside the courtroom for the hearing … but it’s unclear if they had any contact with their parents.
As we reported … Avenatti also claims the new sex tape he turned over to prosecutors shows R. Kelly engaging in sex acts with a 14-year-old girl. He released images from the video Friday, showing what appears to be R. Kelly.